I have a 14 year old son and a 7,4 and last son 2mth's old. I was just wondering if my 14 year old is mature enough to watch the 2 mth old.
I was told that I could get into alot of trouble if I let my 14 yr. old babysit the 2mth old. If not 14, then at what age is it considered mature enough to watch a 2 mth old.
Thank you for responding....
2006-12-21 12:43:59 · 11 answers · asked by Vicky 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
There is a saying that goes, "Maturity does not come with age, but with the acceptance of responsibility."
Your son may very well be mature enough to watch your 2 month old. This is the thing though. I would not start by testing your son's "acceptance of responsibility" with your baby. This not only would put a lot of pressure on your son, but could be dangerous for your baby. On the other hand you may find that your son is well prepared to watch your baby. If your son has proved in the past to be responsible and trustworthy then I would not have reservations about leaving your baby with him for a short period of time. No one can make this decision for you. Use your judgment.
I think we have all met 30+ year olds that we would not even contemplate leaving our children with so I don't think age is the issue.
2006-12-21 13:52:11 · answer #1 · answered by jspphotos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends what state you live in and how mature your 14 yr old is. I hope your 14 yr old will not be watching all of them.. That is too much for any 14 yr old. But, as far as the law goes, every state is different. You can contact your local children services office and they can tell you. They are the best people to ask this question. It will also depend on the length of time and if he has had any kind of infant cpr training. This is something most Ymca's offer and you could consider him doing the course. hope this helps
2006-12-21 21:09:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say its not the age of the sitter its the age of the child being watched. The longer you wait the more that teen will see what needs done and how to handle situations from you. I would say a 4 year old will is just in the patience span of a teen.
but that will make your teen 18 which then you have no problems. then the 7 year old will be 11 and thats too young to watch anyone. so on.
2006-12-21 21:10:56 · answer #3 · answered by liddycaliente 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's big responsibility7 for a 14 year old..to look after a helpless 2 month old. I wouldn't let my child . Too many things could happen that the 14 yer old would not have an idea what to do. Just gives me shivers thinking of all the things that could go wrong.
2006-12-21 21:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have him take a babysitting class. Your community center should offer one, so does the Red Cross. They usually have child/infant CPR, basic first aid, etc... The maturity level of 14 year olds vary so much that it may be a good idea to ask the class instructor for input. I would also find out for sure what your local laws are.
2006-12-21 21:10:12 · answer #5 · answered by parents2sons 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm fourteen and I have a ten year old brother... I've been watching him since we were seven and three.... and I wasn't what you would call "mature"... but we managed. It depends on the maturity of the 14-year old... but I think 14 should be old enough. Just be sure he won't do anything abusive to the younger kids.
2006-12-21 21:32:53 · answer #6 · answered by Caroline 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that if you are able to handle the repercussions of what will happen if anything goes wrong then go ahead but if you consider what the risk are then maybe you should get a babysitter that will be responsible to handle the needs of a 2 month old. You should ask yourself questions such as what will happen to my son if he finds himself overwhelmed. Is he mature enough to handle it.
Lots of parents leave their fourteen year olds and younger with their babies but maybe not for very long. Does your son have enough respect from the rest of your children; will they obey him?You can check your 311/911 alternative and ask questions if it against the law to leave your son with your baby also. It all depends if you are concerned about the law or public opinions. I hope this helps.
2006-12-21 20:59:41 · answer #7 · answered by MeHurdu 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think 14 is fine, just as long as you trust him. I know there is some kind of legal age depending on which state you are in, but I'm sure 14 isnt even the minimum which wouldnt make it a problem.
2006-12-21 21:43:15 · answer #8 · answered by ELW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well im not a boy and i heard boys mature slower but i have been baby-sitting since i was 10 so i think by 14 he should be fine
2006-12-21 22:14:06 · answer #9 · answered by prppygrl01 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not depend on age but how mature ur son is. mayb u can try let him babysit him when u are around & decide if he is able to take care or not.
2006-12-21 21:45:25 · answer #10 · answered by kiko 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋